Sentenced To Life In Prison At 16, Cyntoia Brown Released

Cyntoia Brown, the Black woman who is now 31 years old, has been institutionalized for more than half her life. After being sentenced to life in prison at age 16 for killing a man who purchased her for sex, Brown has been released today.

As part of the terms of her release, Brown will stay on parole for 10 years. The Tennessee Department of Correction reported she has worked with counselors to develop a re-entry plan.

The precise details of the plan have not been released, but she will be required to participate in regular counseling sessions and to perform at least 50 hours of community service, including working with at-risk youth. She also will be required to get a job.